MP’s Fury At Winter Fuel Payment Cut

Harborough’s MP has reacted with fury to the government’s decision to scrap winter fuel payments for most pensioners.

Neil O’Brien fears some will now struggle to afford to heat their homes this winter after the controversial decision was voted through yesterday.

He spoke during the debate in the House of Commons:

The move mean just over 1,200 people in the Harborough district will continue to receive up to £30 to help pay their energy bills during the colder months, just 6% of the area’s elderly population.

The payments were previously made to over 20,000 people above state pension age across the district, but will now only be paid to those on benefits or Pension Credit.

A Conservative move to block the government’s plans was defeated by a majority of 120 and shouts of “shame” could be heard in the Commons as the result was read out.

The government says ‘tough decisions’ need to be made as part of a series of measures to address a £22 billion “black hole” in public finances.

Speaking to HFM after the cut was approved, Mr O’Brien said he was very concerned about how some pensioners will cope: